Edwin Poots expects re-nomination process to be 'straightforward'

By Q Radio News and PA

The leader of the DUP said he did not expect the re-nomination process required to appoint Paul Givan as First Minister to be problematic. 

Edwin Poots made the announcement yesterday - with Mr Givan expected to replace Arlene Foster on Monday. 

The leader of the DUP said he did not expect the re-nomination process required to appoint Paul Givan as First Minister to be problematichttps://t.co/Lxylrx3XpK

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He said: "I can't see why it wouldn't be straightforward because the issues that the public are talking about, in particular the health service, recovery from Covid-19 and hospital waiting times"

He added: "There’s a job to be done. We’ve all got a job to do.

“We’ve got a mandate to do that job. I will respect Sinn Fein’s mandate and I expect them to respect my mandate.”

While Mr Poots’ choices for Economy and Education Ministers will take up their roles at that point, a renomination process involving Sinn Fein will have to be undertaken before Mr Givan assumes office.

When Mrs Foster resigns as First Minister, Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill is automatically removed from her post as well – as the joint office can only function if both positions are filled.

Both parties will then need to renominate their respective first and deputy first ministers within seven days.

If one of the parties declines to renominate, then a functioning Executive could not be formed and a snap election would become likely.

There has been speculation Sinn Fein might seek a guarantee from Mr Poots to pass legislation for Irish language speakers as a prerequisite for it engaging in the nomination process.

(Mr Givan is on course to be Northern Ireland's youngest-ever first minister)